Combination trowel device

ABSTRACT

A combination trowel may include a handle, a flat-edge blade coupled to the handle, and a notched-edge blade coupled to the handle and located along a first surface of the flat-edge blade. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade is slideably coupled to the handle such that the notched-edge blade can extend and retract with respect to the handle. A thumb slide coupled to the handle may be configured to facilitate the extension and retraction. The handle may comprise a first portion and a second portion, and the second portion may be configured to extend and retract with respect to the first portion. A first rivet and a second rivet may be used to couple the handle to the flat-edge blade and the notched-edge blade.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Patent Application No. 62/985,430; filed Mar. 5, 2020; and entitled COMBINATION TROWEL DEVICE.

BACKGROUND Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to trowel devices. Certain embodiments relate to combination trowel devices.

Description of Related Art

A trowel can be used to spread and/or smooth a substance on a surface. For example, trowels are often used to apply adhesive to a surface, such as to a floor surface prior to laying tile or other flooring materials. Trowels often have at least one edge comprising teeth-like projections to enable a user to add texture to the substance being applied to the surface. Trowels also often have at least one smooth edge and/or surface to smooth a substance over a surface, such as grout over tile once the tile has been laid.

SUMMARY

The disclosure includes a combination trowel, and in some embodiments, the combination trowel comprises a handle, a flat-edge blade coupled to the handle, and a notched-edge blade slideably coupled to the handle and located along a first surface of the flat-edge blade. The combination trowel may further comprise a thumb slide coupled to at least one of the handle and the notched-edge blade, wherein the thumb slide is configured to slideably extend and retract the notched-edge blade with respect to the handle. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade is configured to slideably extend a length of at least 0.2 inches. The flat-edge blade may be fixedly coupled to the handle.

In some embodiments, the combination trowel further comprises a first rivet and a second rivet. The first rivet and second rivet may be configured to extend through the handle to thereby couple the handle to the flat-edge blade and the notched-edge blade. In some embodiments, the flat-edge blade comprises a first hole and a second hole, wherein the first hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second hole is configured to receive the second rivet. The notched-edge blade may comprise a first elongate hole and a second elongate hole, wherein the first elongate hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second elongate hole is configured to receive the second rivet. In some embodiments, the first elongate hole and the second elongate hole are configured to enable the notched-edge blade to slide with respect to the flat-edge blade to thereby enable extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade.

The flat-edge blade may comprise a tapered thickness such that a proximal portion of the flat-edge blade defines a greater thickness than a distal portion of the flat-edge blade, wherein the proximal portion of the flat-edge blade is located adjacent the handle and the distal portion of the flat-edge blade is located opposite the proximal portion. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade comprises a tapered thickness, such that a proximal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a greater thickness than a distal portion of the notched-edge blade, wherein the proximal portion of the notched-edge blade is located adjacent the handle and the distal portion of the notched-edge blade is located opposite the proximal portion. The proximal portion of the flat-edge blade may define a thickness of at least 0.04 inches and the distal portion of the flat-edge blade may define a thickness of at least 0.02 inches. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a thickness of at least 0.04 inches and the distal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a thickness of at least 0.02 inches.

In some embodiments, the flat-edge blade comprises a first portion defining a first width of at least 4 inches, the notched-edge blade comprises a first portion defining a width of at least 4 inches, the handle defines a length of at least 4 inches, and the combination trowel defines a length of at least 9 inches from a proximal portion of the handle to a distal portion of the flat-edge blade. The flat-edge blade may comprise a second portion defining a second width less than the width of the handle, and the notched-edge blade may comprise a second portion defining a second width less than the width of the handle. In some embodiments, the second portion of the flat-edge blade and the second portion of the notched-edge blade are located at least partially inside the handle.

In many embodiments, the notched-edge blade comprises a row of substantially evenly spaced notches. The notched-edge blade may comprise a row of notches located along a distal portion of the notched-edge blade, the row of notches defining at least one of a rectangular-shape and a triangular-shape.

In some embodiments, a combination trowel comprises a handle comprising a first portion and a second portion, a flat-edge blade coupled to the first portion of the handle, and a notched-edge blade coupled to the second portion of the handle and located along a first surface of the flat-edge blade, wherein the second portion of the handle is configured to slide with respect to the first portion. The combination trowel may further comprise a thumb slide coupled to at least one of the second portion of the handle and the notched-edge blade, wherein the thumb slide is configured to slideably extend and retract the second portion of the handle with respect to the first portion of the handle. In some embodiments, the second portion of the handle is configured to slideably extend a length of at least 0.2 inches with respect to the first portion of the handle.

The combination trowel may further comprise a first rivet and a second rivet, wherein the first rivet and the second rivet are configured to extend through the handle to thereby couple the first portion of the handle to the second portion of the handle. In some embodiments, one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a first elongate hole and a second elongate hole, wherein the first elongate hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second elongate hole is configured to receive the second rivet. The first elongate hole and the second elongate hole may be configured to enable the first portion to slide with respect to the second portion.

In some embodiments, the handle is elongate along a first direction, and the handle defines a thickness along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the handle defines a first thickness and a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. The second thickness may be located at a distal end of the handle adjacent the flat-edge blade and the notched-edge blade and the first thickness may be located at a proximal end of the handle located opposite the distal end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a combination trowel in use, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a combination trowel with a notched-edge blade in a retracted position, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a combination trowel with a notched-edge blade in an extended position, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a flat-edge blade, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a notched-edge blade, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate perspective views of a handle of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a combination trowel with a notched-edge blade in a retracted position, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of a combination trowel with a notched-edge blade in an extended position, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate side views of a handle of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a flat-edge blade, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a notched-edge blade, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate side and top views, respectively, of a notched-edge blade, according to some embodiments

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate side and top views, respectively, of a flat-edge blade, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D illustrate different perspective views of a first portion of a handle, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate different perspective views of a second portion of a handle, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate different perspective views of a thumb slide, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a spring, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

COMPONENT INDEX

-   10—combination trowel -   12—handle -   14—flat-edge blade -   16—notched-edge blade -   18—first surface -   19—post -   20—thumb slide -   21—hook -   22—rivet -   23—rectangular hole -   24—hole -   25—hole -   26—elongate hole -   27—elongate hole -   28 a—proximal portion (of flat-edge blade) -   28 b—proximal portion (of notched-edge blade) -   30 a—distal portion (of flat-edge blade) -   30 b—distal portion (of notched-edge blade) -   32 a—first portion (of flat-edge blade) -   32 b—first portion (of notched-edge blade) -   33 a—distal edge (of notched-edge blade) -   33 b—distal edge (of flat-edge blade) -   34 a—first width (of flat-edge blade) -   34 b—first width (of notched-edge blade) -   36—length (of handle) -   37—length (of handle) -   38—length (of trowel) -   40—proximal portion (of handle) -   42 a—second portion (of flat-edge blade) -   42 b—second portion (of notched-edge blade) -   44 a—second width (of flat-edge blade) -   44 b—second width (of notched-edge blade) -   46—width (of handle) -   47—width (of handle) -   48—row of notches -   50 a—first portion (of handle) -   50 b—second portion (of handle) -   51 a—first portion (of handle) -   51 b—second portion (of handle) -   52—first direction -   54—second direction -   56 a—first thickness -   56 b—second thickness -   58 a—distal end (of handle) -   58 b—proximal end (of handle) -   60—spring

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a combination trowel 10 a in use. As previously discussed, trowels are often used to apply and spread a substance, such as an adhesive, on a surface in preparation for the placement of a material, such as tile. FIG. 1 demonstrates a user applying a substance using a notched-edge blade of the combination trowel, which will be discussed in detail below.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the combination trowel 10 a. As illustrated by FIG. 2, in many embodiments the combination trowel 10 a comprises a handle 12 a, a flat-edge blade 14 a, and a notched-edge blade 16 a. The handle 12 a may include a thumb slide 20 a as well as a first rivet 22 a and a second rivet 22 b, which will be discussed in greater detail below. FIG. 2 shows the notched-edge blade 16 a in a retracted position. In many embodiments, the combination trowel 10 a is used when the notched-edge blade 16 a is in the retracted position to apply and spread a substance (such as adhesive, mortar, spackle, and the like) on a surface, such as a floor, wall or the like, such that the flat-edge blade 14 a carries out substantially all of the application and spreading of the substance. When used to apply and/or spread a substance, the combination trowel 10 a, as well as the combination trowel 10 b, which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 10-14, may be held by a user such that the flat-edge blade 14 a is located adjacent the floor and/or wall surface and the notched-edge blade 16 a is located further from the floor and/or wall surface. The notched-edge blade 16 a may be located on and/or adjacent the surface of the flat-edge blade 14 a not contacting the floor and/or wall. In some embodiments, the first surface 18 a of the flat-edge blade is the surface of the flat-edge blade 14 a not contacting the wall and/or floor, and thus the notched-edge blade 16 a is located on/adjacent the first surface 18 a of the flat-edge blade 14 a.

In many embodiments, the thumb slide 20 a is configured to extend and retract the notched-edge blade 16 a with respect to the handle 12 a. As such, the notched-edge blade 16 a may be described as slideably coupled to the handle 12 a, whereas the flat-edge blade 14 a may be described as fixedly coupled to the handle 12 a. FIG. 3 illustrates the notched-edge blade 16 a in an extended position, and also shows the thumb slide 20 a located further upward on the handle 12 a than shown in FIG. 2, where the notched-edge blade 16 a is in the retracted position. The notched-edge blade 16 a may be configured to extend a length of about 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade 16 a extends at least 0.2 inches. The notched-edge blade may extend a length less than 0.2 inches.

FIG. 3 further demonstrates that, in many embodiments, when the notched-edge blade 16 a is in the extended position, the flat-edge blade 14 a is obstructed from view. Extension of the notched-edge blade may enable a user to add texture to the previously applied and spread substance (such as adhesive, mortar, spackle, and the like) prior to the installation of a material (such as tile, flooring, and the like). When used to add texture (and possibly further spread) the substance, the combination trowel 10 a, as well as the combination trowel 10 b, which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 10-14, may be held by a user such that the notched-edge blade 16 a is located adjacent the floor and/or wall surface with the adhesive substance and the flat-edge blade 14 a is located further from the wall and/or floor surface.

Using the combination trowel 10 a, as well as the combination trowel 10 b, such that the blade (flat-edge or notched-edge) in primary use is in contact with the floor and/or wall surface may help reduce the chance of adhesive substance getting caught between the flat-edge blade 14 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a. This in turn may facilitate a more clean and efficient execution of a project, such as the installation of a new floor, backsplash, shower, or the like. Using the combination trowel 10 a in the manner described may also help reduce flexing of either or both of the flat-edge blade 14 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a. In addition, in many embodiments, the extension and retraction capabilities of the notched-edge blade 16 a enable a user to use a single tool (the combination trowel 10 a) to carry out a variety of projects.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of the combination trowel 10 a. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a length 38 of the of the combination trowel 10 a, extending from a proximal portion 40 of the handle 12 a to a distal portion 30 a, 30 b of the flat-edge blade 14 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a, respectively. When the notched-edge blade 16 a is in the retracted position, as demonstrated in FIG. 4A, the length 38 may be about 9 inches. When the notched-edge blade 16 a is in the extended position, as demonstrated in FIG. 4B, the length 38 may be about 9.2 inches. In some embodiments, the length 38 is less than 9 inches in the retracted position and less than 9.2 inches in the extended position. The length 38 may be at least 9 inches in the retracted position and at least 9.2 inches in the extended position.

In some embodiments, the flat-edge blade 14 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a comprise a tapered thickness, as demonstrated by FIGS. 4A and 4B. Proximal portions 28 a, 28 b of the flat-edge blade 14 a and notched-edge blade 16 a, respectively, may define greater thicknesses than distal portions 30 a, 30 b of the flat-edge blade 14 a and notched-edge blade 16 a, respectively. In many embodiments, the proximal portions 28 a, 28 b are located adjacent the handle 12 a and the distal portions 30 a, 30 b are located opposite the proximal portions 28 a, 28 b. In some embodiments the proximal portions 28 a, 28 b define thicknesses of about 0.04 inches and the distal portions 30 a, 30 b define thickness of about 0.02 inches. The proximal portions 28 a, 28 b may define thicknesses of at least 0.04 inches or less than 0.04 inches. Likewise, the distal portions 30 a, 30 b may define thicknesses of at least 0.02 inches or less than 0.02 inches. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 28 a and/or the distal portion 30 a of the flat-edge blade 14 a may define different thicknesses than the proximal portion 28 b and/or distal portion 30 b of the notched-edge blade 16 a.

FIG. 5 shows that, in some embodiments, the flat-edge blade 14 a includes a first portion 32 a defining a first width 34 a and a second portion 42 a defining a second width 44 a. The first width 34 a may define about 4 inches, and the second width 44 a may define a width that is less than the first width 34 a. The second width 44 a may also define a width that is less than a width of the handle 12 a, as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the first width 34 a is at least 4 inches. The first width 34 a may be less than 4 inches. In many embodiments, the second portion 42 a is located at least partially inside the handle 12 a of the combination trowel 10 a, and comprises a first hole 24 a and a second hole 24 b.

The first and second holes 24 a, 24 b may be configured to receive the first and second rivets 22 a, 22 b (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), respectively, to thereby couple the flat-edge blade 14 a to the handle 12 a. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments the flat-edge blade 14 a is fixedly coupled to the handle 12 a. The first and second rivets 22 a, 22 b may be configured to extend through the handle 12 a such that the rivets 22 a, 22 b extend from one side of the handle, through the flat-edge blade 14 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a, and through the opposite side of the handle, thereby coupling the handle 12 a to the flat-edge blade 14 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, but illustrates the notched-edge blade 16 a rather than the flat-edge blade 14 a. Similar to the flat-edge blade 14 a, the notched-edge blade 16 a may comprise a first portion 32 b defining a first width 34 b and a second portion 42 b defining a second width 44 b. In some embodiments, the first width 34 b defines a width of about 4 inches and the second width 44 b defines a width less than the first width 34 b. The first width 34 b may be at least 4 inches. The first width 34 b may be less than 4 inches. The second width 44 a may be less than a width of the handle 12 a, as shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the second portion 42 b is located at least partially within the handle 12 a. In some embodiments, the first width is about 2 inches, while in other embodiments the first width is about 7 inches. In other embodiments, the first width may be any width between 2 inches and 7 inches.

FIG. 6 includes the first elongate hole 26 a and the second elongate hole 26 b. Like the first and second holes 24 a, 24 b of the flat-edge blade 14 a, the first and second elongate holes 26 a, 26 b are, in some embodiments, configured to receive the first and second rivets 22 a, 22 b. The elongate nature of the first and second elongate holes 26 a, 26 b may help facilitate the extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade 16 a with respect to the handle 12 a and the flat-edge blade 14 a by coupling the notched-edge blade 16 a to the handle 12 a in such a way that the first and second rivets 22 a, 22 b are configured to remain substantially in place through the first and second elongate holes 26 a, 26 b, respectively, while the notched-edge blade 16 a extends and/or retracts.

Also illustrated by FIG. 6 is the row of notches 48, which may be located along a distal edge of the first portion 32 b of the notched-edge blade 16 a. In some embodiments, the notches in the row of notches 48 are substantially evenly spaced from one another. The notches may be irregularly spaced. As shown by FIG. 6, the notches in the row of notches 48 may comprise a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the notches in the row of notches 48 comprise any other suitable shape; for example, triangular, ovoid, and the like.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the combination trowel 10 a. As previously described, the combination trowel 10 a may comprise a handle 12 a, a flat-edge blade 14 a, and a notched-edge blade 16 a. The flat-edge and notched-edge blades 14 a, 16 a may include second portions 42 a, 42 b configured to be located at least partially within the handle 12 a. First and second rivets 22 a, 22 b may be configured to extend through the handle 12 a and the second portions 42 a, 42 b of each blade to thereby couple the handle 12 a to the flat-edge blade 14 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a. Though pictured in FIG. 7 with the notched-edge blade 16 a located “on top” of the flat-edge blade 14 a, in some embodiments, the flat-edge blade 14 a is located “on top” of the notched-edge blade 16 a, and the combination trowel 10 a is configured to function in either orientation. Though not illustrated in the Figures, it should be noted that either one, or both, of the flat-edge blade 14 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a may comprise a textured surface configured to create friction between the notched-edge blade 16 a and the flat-edge blade 14 a. Any one or multiple surfaces of the flat-edge blade 14 a and/or the notched-edge blade 16 a may be textured or smooth.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate interior views of the handle 12 a. FIGS. 8 and 9 also illustrate a length 36 of the handle 12 a, which, in some embodiments, is about 4 inches. The handle 12 a may define a length 36 of more or less than 4 inches. The handle 12 a may also define a width 46. As shown by FIGS. 8 and 9, the handle 12 a may not define a consistent width 46 from a proximal end to a distal end. In some embodiments, the handle 12 a defines a consistent width 46.

As shown in FIG. 8 and previously discussed, the second portion 42 a of the flat-edge blade 14 a may be located at least partially within the handle 12 a and the width 44 a of the second portion 42 a may be less than the width 46 of the handle 12 a. FIG. 8 also includes the first hole 24 a and the second hole 24 b which may be configured to receive the first and second rivets 22 a, 22 b to thereby fixedly couple the flat-edge blade 14 a to the handle 12 a. FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, and shows the second portion 42 b of the notched-edge blade 16 a located within the handle 12 a. Like the second portion 42 a of the flat-edge blade 14 a, the second portion 42 b of the notched-edge blade 16 a may define a width 44 b less than the width 46 of the handle 12 a.

Though illustrated in FIG. 9 as substantially circular holes, the first and second elongate holes 26 a, 26 b may define a shape substantially similar to the shape shown in FIG. 6 to enable the slideable coupling of the notched-edge blade 16 a to the handle 12 a. FIG. 9 also includes an opening for the thumb slide located on the second portion 42 b of the notched-edge blade 16 a. The opening may be configured to receive a portion of the thumb slide 20 a (not shown) such that the portion is configured to protrude through to the interior of the handle and slideably extend and/or retract the notched-edge blade 16 a when a user extends and/or retracts the thumb slide 20 a on an exterior portion of the handle 12 a.

FIG. 10 shows a combination trowel 10 b. In some embodiments, the combination trowel 10 b is substantially similar to the combination trowel 10 a, as illustrated by FIG. 10. The combination trowel 10 b may include a handle 12 b, a thumb slide 20 b located on the handle 12 b, a flat-edge blade 14 b, a notched-edge blade 16 b located on a first surface 18 b of the flat-edge blade 14 b, as well as a first rivet 22 c and a second rivet 22 d. Like the notched-edge blade 16 a of the combination trowel 10 a, the notched-edge blade 16 b of the combination trowel 10 b may be configured to extend and retract. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade 16 b is configured to extend and/or retract with respect to the flat-edge blade 14 b.

As illustrated by FIG. 11, in many embodiments the handle 12 b comprises a first portion 50 a and a second portion 50 b. The flat-edge blade 14 b may be fixedly coupled to the first portion 50 a, and the notched-edge blade 16 a may be fixedly coupled to the second portion 50 b. To enable extension and/or retraction of the notched-edge blade 16 b, the second portion 50 b of the handle 12 b may be configured to slide with respect to the first portion 50 a of the handle 12 b, such that the second portion 50 b and the notched-edge blade 16 b move together in extension and/or retraction. Similar to the notched-edge blade 16 a of the combination trowel 10 a, the notched-edge blade 16 b and the second portion 50 b of the handle 12 b may be configured to extend a length of about 0.2 inches.

In some embodiments, the thumb slide 20 b is configured to facilitate the extension and/or retraction, and is coupled to at least one of the second portion 50 b and the notched-edge blade 16 b. As such, and in contrast to the thumb slide 20 a on the handle 12 a, the thumb slide 20 b may not move independently on the handle 12 b, and instead slides with the whole second portion 50 b. FIG. 11 also shows the unlabeled, lowermost hole (which may be used for hanging the combination trowel 10 b on a hook, stringing the trowel 10 b with a handle, and the like) on the combination trowel 10 b partially shaded to illustrate that the hole becomes at least partially obstructed when the second portion 50 b extends with respect to the first portion 50 a. It should be noted that, because in many embodiments, only the thumb slide 20 a and the notched-edge blade 16 a slide during extension and/or retraction of the notched-edge blade 16 a, the lowermost hole on the combination trowel 10 a, shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7-9, does not become obstructed during use of the combination trowel 10 a. The movement of the second portion 50 b of the handle 12 b with respect to the first portion 50 a of the handle 12 b may demonstrate a difference between the combination trowel 10 b and the combination trowel 10 a.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate side views of the first portion 50 a and second portion 50 b, respectively, of the handle 12 b, as well as arrows designating a first direction 52 and a second direction 54 perpendicular to the first direction 52. In some embodiments, each portion 50 a, 50 b of the handle 12 b is elongate along the first direction 52 and defines a thickness along the second direction 54. Each portion 50 a may define a first thickness 56 a and a second thickness 56 b, and the first thickness 56 a may define a greater thickness than the second thickness 56 b. In some embodiments, the first thickness 56 a is located near a proximal end 58 b of the handle 12 b and the second thickness 56 b is located at a distal end 58 a of the handle 12 b. The distal end 58 a of the handle 12 b may be located adjacent the flat-edge blade 14 b and the notched-edge blade 16 b, and the proximal end 58 b may be located adjacent a user when the combination trowel 10 b is in use. The second thickness 56 b may be configured to more securely contain and couple the flat-edge blade 14 b and the notched-edge blade 16 b to the handle 12 b. Though not shown in the Figures, the handle 12 a of the combination trowel 10 a may comprise a first and second thickness similar to the first and second thickness 56 a, 56 b demonstrated by FIGS. 12A and 12B.

FIG. 13 shows the flat-edge blade 14 b coupled to the first portion 50 a of the handle 12 b. Like the flat-edge blade 14 a of the combination trowel 10 a, the flat-edge blade 14 b may comprise a first hole 24 a and a second hole 24 b configured to receive the first rivet 22 c and second rivet 22 d, respectively. The flat-edge blade 14 b may also be similar to the flat-edge blade 14 a in dimensions (including, but not limited to, length, width, and thickness(es)), materials, and other suitable characteristics and/or components.

FIG. 14 illustrates the notched-edge blade 16 b coupled to the second portion 50 b of the handle 12 b. Like the notched-edge blade 16 a of the combination trowel 10 a, the notched-edge blade 16 b may comprise a first elongate hole 26 c and a second elongate hole 26 d configured to receive the first rivet 22 c and the second rivet 22 d, respectively. The notched-edge blade 16 b may also be similar to the notched-edge blade 16 a in dimensions (including, but not limited to, length, width, and thickness(es)), materials, and other suitable characteristics and/or components. In some embodiments, the first and second rivets 22 c, 22 d are configured to couple the first portion 50 a of the handle 12 b to the second portion 50 b of the handle 12 b.

Though not illustrated in the Figures, it should be noted that either one, or both, of the flat-edge blade 14 b and the notched-edge blade 16 b may comprise a textured surface configured to create friction between the notched-edge blade 16 b and the flat-edge blade 14 b. Any one or multiple surfaces of the flat-edge blade 14 b and/or the notched-edge blade 16 b may be textured or smooth.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination trowel 10 c. In many embodiments, the combination trowel 10 c is substantially similar to at least one of the combination trowel 10 a and the combination trowel 10 b. As shown in FIG. 15, the combination trowel 10 c may comprise a notched-edge blade 16 c and a handle 12 c. The handle 12 c may comprise a thumb slide 20 c, a first rivet 22 e, and a second rivet 22 f. In many embodiments, the first rivet 22 e is substantially similar to the first rivet 22 a and the first rivet 22 c. Similarly, the second rivet 22 d may be substantially similar to the second rivet 22 b and the second rivet 22 d.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of the combination trowel 10 c. FIG. 16 shows more details of the trowel 10 c, including the flat-edge blade 14 c. As demonstrated in FIG. 16, the handle 12 c may comprise a first portion 51 a and a second portion 51 b. In some embodiments, the first portion 51 a is configured to couple to the flat-edge blade 14 c. The first portion 51 a may be fixedly coupled to the flat-edge blade 14 c. The first portion 51 a may be movably coupled to the flat-edge blade 14 c. In some embodiments, the second portion 51 b of the handle 12 c is configured to couple to the notched-edge blade 16 c. The second portion 51 b may be fixedly coupled to the notched-edge blade 16 c. In many embodiments, the second portion 51 b is movably coupled to the notched-edge blade 16 c, and the thumb slide 20 c is configured to facilitate movement of the notched-edge blade 16 c with respect to the handle 12 c and the flat-edge blade 14 c.

FIG. 16 also shows internal elements of the combination trowel 10 c, including the elongate holes 27 a, 27 b located on the notched-edge blade 16 c and flat-edge blade 14 c, respectively. Similar to the elongate holes 26 previously mentioned in this disclosure, the elongate nature of the elongate holes 27 a, 27 b may help facilitate the extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade 16 c with respect to the handle 12 c and the flat-edge blade 14 c. In many embodiments, a portion of the thumb slide 20 c is configured to extend through the elongate holes 27 a, 27 b and rest on the spring 60, which is coupled to the first portion 51 a of the handle 12 c, as indicated in FIG. 16. The spring 60 may be configured to enable smooth extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade 16 c. As shown in FIG. 16, the thumb slide 20 c may comprise a hook 21, which will be discussed further with reference to FIGS. 18B and 21A, 21B, and 21C.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show side and top views, respectively, of the notched-edge blade 16 c. It should be noted that FIG. 17B may also be considered as showing a bottom view of the notched-edge blade 16 c. Similar to the notched-edge blade 16 a shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the notched-edge blade 16 c may comprise a tapered thickness. FIG. 17A in particular illustrates the tapered thickness by showing that the distal edge 33 a is significantly thinner than the rest of the notched-edge blade 16 c. In some embodiments, the distal edge 33 a defines the notched edge of the notched-edge blade 16 c. The distal edge 33 a may define the notched edge and an additional portion of the notched-edge blade 16 c. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade 16 c defines a thickness of about 0.06 inches in the non-distal edge 33 a portion. Similar to the notched-edge blades 16 a and 16 b, the notched-edge blade 16 c may define a width, at the distal edge 33 a, of about 4 inches. FIG. 17B includes the elongate hole 27 a shown in FIG. 16, as well as a first hole 25 a, which, in many embodiments, is configured to receive the first rivet 22 e shown in FIG. 15.

Similar to FIGS. 17A and 17B, FIGS. 18A and 18B show side and top views, respectively, of the flat-edge blade 14 c. It should be noted that FIG. 18B may also be considered as showing a bottom view of the flat-edge blade 14 c. Similar to the flat-edge blade 14 a shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the flat-edge blade 14 c may comprise a tapered thickness. FIG. 18A in particular illustrates the tapered thickness by showing that the distal edge 33 b is significantly thinner than the rest of the flat-edge blade 14 c. In some embodiments, the distal edge 33 b defines the flat edge of the flat-edge blade 14 c. The distal edge 33 b may define the flat edge and an additional portion of the flat-edge blade 14 c. In some embodiments, the flat-edge blade 14 c defines a thickness of about 0.06 inches in the non-distal edge 33 b portion. Similar to the flat-edge blades 14 a and 14 b, the flat-edge blade 14 c may define a width, at the distal edge 33 b, of about 4 inches.

FIG. 18B also includes the elongate hole 27 b shown in FIG. 16, as well as a second hole 25 b and third hole 25 c. In many embodiments, the second hole 25 b is configured to receive the first rivet 22 e shown in FIG. 15, and the third hole 25 c is configured to receive the second rivet 22 f shown in FIG. 15. As previously discussed, the first and second rivets 22 e, 22 f may be configured to couple the first portion 51 a and the second portion 51 b of the handle 12 c together, with the notched-edge blade 16 c and flat-edge blade 14 c coupled therebetween.

FIG. 18B also shows a rectangular hole 23 located on the flat-edge blade 14 c. In many embodiments, the rectangular hole 23 is configured to receive the hook 21 of the thumb slide 20 c, shown in FIG. 16. The rectangular hole 23 receiving the hook 21 may prevent the notched-edge blade 16 c from retracting while in the extended position. For example, when the thumb slide 20 c is moved toward the blades 14 c, 16 c in order to extend the notched-edge blade 16 c, the hook 21 moves from the elongate hole 27 b into the rectangular hole 23 and is retained therein until the notched-edge blade 16 c is retracted (via the thumb slide 20 c).

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D illustrate different perspective views of a first portion 51 a of the handle 12 c. FIG. 19A shows an interior of the first portion 51 a, as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 16. As indicated by the arrows, FIG. 19B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interior of the first portion 51 a. FIG. 19C illustrates a back/bottom view of the first portion 51 a. FIG. 19C also indicates that, in some embodiments, the first portion 51 a defines a length 37. The length 37 may be about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the length 37 is less than 5 inches. For example, the length 37 may be about 4.8 inches. The length 37 may be more than 5 inches. The length 37 may be substantially similar to the length 36 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIGS. 19A and 19C include holes for coupling the first rivet 22 e and second rivet 22 f to the first portion 51 a of the handle 12 c, as well as a larger hole to receive at least a portion of the thumb slide 20 c. FIGS. 19A and 19C also demonstrate that, in some embodiments, the handle 12 c includes an additional hole similar to the hole of the handle 12 a (shown in FIG. 2) and the handle 12 b (shown in FIG. 10). This additional hole may be used, for example, to hang the combination trowel 10 c, to thread a strap through the handle 12 c, or the like. FIG. 19D illustrates a perspective side view of an end portion of the first portion 51 a of the handle 12 c, for example, the end of the first portion 51 a located opposite the flat-edge blade 14 c. FIG. 19D also demonstrates that, in some embodiments, the first portion 51 a defines a width 47. The width 47 may be similar to the width 46 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the width 47 defines a width of about 1.3 inches. The width 47 may define a width greater than 1.3 inches. The width 47 may define a width less than 1.3 inches.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate different perspective views of a second portion 51 b of the handle 12 c. FIG. 20A shows an interior of the second portion 51 b. As indicated by the arrows, FIG. 20B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interior of the second portion 51 b. FIG. 20C illustrates a top view of the second portion 51 b, as also shown in the exploded view of FIG. 16. FIG. 20C also indicates that, in some embodiments, like the first portion 51 a, the second portion 51 b defines a length 37. The length 37 may be about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the length 37 is less than 5 inches. For example, the length 37 may be about 4.8 inches. The length 37 may be more than 5 inches. The length 37 may be substantially similar to the length 36 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIGS. 20A and 20C include holes for coupling the first rivet 22 e and second rivet 22 f to the second portion 51 b of the handle 12 c, as well as a larger hole to receive at least a portion of the thumb slide 20 c. FIGS. 20A and 20C also demonstrate that, in some embodiments, the handle 12 c includes an additional hole similar to the hole of the handle 12 a (shown in FIG. 2) and the handle 12 b (shown in FIG. 10). This additional hole may be used, for example, to hang the combination trowel 10 c, to thread a strap through the handle 12 c, or the like. FIG. 20D illustrates a perspective side view of an end portion of the second portion 51 b of the handle 12 c, for example, the end of the second portion 51 b located opposite the notched-edge blade 16 c. FIG. 20D also demonstrates that, in some embodiments, like the first portion 51 a, the second portion 51 b defines a width 47. The width 47 may be similar to the width 46 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the width 47 defines a width of about 1.3 inches. The width 47 may define a width greater than 1.3 inches. The width 47 may define a width less than 1.3 inches.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate perspective views of the thumb slide 20 c, including the hook 21 and a post 19 coupled to the hook 21. As previously discussed, the hook 21 (and post 19) may be configured to extend through at least the second portion 51 b of the handle 21 c and the notched-edge blade 16 c in order to couple the hook 21 to the rectangular hole 23 of the flat-edge blade 14 c upon extension of the notched-edge blade 16 c. In some embodiments, the post 19 defines a length of about 0.4 inches. The post 19 may define a length longer than 0.4 inches. The post 19 may be shorter than 0.4 inches.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate top and side views, respectively, of the spring 60. As mentioned with reference to FIG. 16, the spring 60 may be configured to couple to the first portion 51 a of the handle 12 c. The spring 60 may be configured to contact the post 19 of the thumb slide 20 c. In some embodiments, the spring 60 is configured to enable smooth extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade 16 c. The spring 60 may define a height of about 0.12 inches. In some embodiments, the spring 60 defines a height greater than 0.12 inches. The spring 60 may define a height less than 0.12 inches. It should be noted that the “height” of the spring 60 is defined as the distance the spring 60 extends from a base portion coupled to the first portion 51 a through the first portion 51 a toward the flat-edge blade 14 c.

Each of the flat-edge blade 14 a, the flat-edge blade 14 b, the flat-edge blade 14 c, the notched-edge blade 16 a, the notched-edge blade 16 b, and the notched-edge blade 16 c may be comprised of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metallic (e.g., stainless steel) and plastic polymer materials, as well as any other suitable materials and/or combinations thereof. The flat-edge blade 14 a, the flat-edge blade 14 b, the flat-edge blade 14 c, the notched-edge blade 16 a, the notched-edge blade 16 b, and the notched-edge blade 16 c may be, but are not necessarily, each comprised of the same materials and/or combination of materials. Similarly, the thumb slide 20 a, the thumb slide 20 b, the thumb slide 20 c, the first rivets 22 a, 22 c, 22 e, and the second rivets 22 b, 22 d, 22 f may be comprised of similar and/or the same materials. The handle 12 a, the handle 12 b, and the handle 12 c may be comprised of any suitable material, including but not limited to metallic, plastic polymer, and wooden materials, as well as any other suitable materials and/or combinations thereof. In many embodiments, the spring 60 is comprised of a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel) and/or a combination of metallic materials.

Interpretation

None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic 1” section.

Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage.

The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments can include A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

The term “about” is used to mean “approximately”. For example, the disclosure includes “the first width may define about 4 inches”. In this context, “about” indicates that the first width may be exactly or approximately 4 inches. In some embodiments, the first width is about 2 inches, while in other embodiments the first width is about 7 inches.

The term “substantially” is used to mean “completely” or “nearly completely”. For example, the disclosure includes “the notched-edge blade comprises a row of substantially evenly spaced notches”. In this context, the term “substantially” indicates that the notches may be exactly evenly spaced or have slightly irregular spacing.

While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination trowel, comprising: a handle; a flat-edge blade coupled to the handle; and a notched-edge blade slideably coupled to the handle and located along a first surface of the flat-edge blade.
 2. The combination trowel of claim 1, further comprising a thumb slide coupled to at least one of the handle and the notched-edge blade, wherein the thumb slide is configured to slideably extend and retract the notched-edge blade with respect to the handle.
 3. The combination trowel of claim 2, wherein the notched-edge blade is configured to slideably extend a length of at least 0.2 inches.
 4. The combination trowel of claim 1, wherein the flat-edge blade is fixedly coupled to the handle.
 5. The combination trowel of claim 1, further comprising a first rivet and a second rivet, wherein the first rivet and the second rivet are configured to extend through the handle to thereby couple the handle to the flat-edge blade and the notched-edge blade.
 6. The combination trowel of claim 5, wherein the flat-edge blade comprises a first hole and a second hole, wherein the first hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second hole is configured to receive the second rivet.
 7. The combination trowel of claim 6, wherein the notched-edge blade comprises a first elongate hole and a second elongate hole, wherein the first elongate hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second elongate hole is configured to receive the second rivet, and wherein the first elongate hole and the second elongate hole are configured to enable the notched-edge blade to slide with respect to the flat-edge blade to thereby enable extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade.
 8. The combination trowel of claim 1, wherein the flat-edge blade comprises a tapered thickness such that a proximal portion of the flat-edge blade defines a greater thickness than a distal portion of the flat-edge blade, wherein the proximal portion of the flat-edge blade is located adjacent the handle and the distal portion of the flat-edge blade is located opposite the proximal portion, and wherein the notched-edge blade comprises a tapered thickness, such that a proximal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a greater thickness than a distal portion of the notched-edge blade, wherein the proximal portion of the notched-edge blade is located adjacent the handle and the distal portion of the notched-edge blade is located opposite the proximal portion.
 9. The combination trowel of claim 8, wherein the proximal portion of the flat-edge blade defines a thickness of at least 0.04 inches and the distal portion of the flat-edge blade defines a thickness of at least 0.02 inches, and the proximal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a thickness of at least 0.04 inches and the distal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a thickness of at least 0.02 inches.
 10. The combination trowel of claim 1, wherein the flat-edge blade comprises a first portion defining a first width of at least 4 inches, the notched-edge blade comprises a first portion defining a first width of at least 4 inches, the handle defines a length of at least 4 inches, and the combination trowel defines a length of at least 9 inches from a proximal portion of the handle to a distal portion of the flat-edge blade.
 11. The combination trowel of claim 1, wherein the flat-edge blade comprises a second portion defining a second width less than a width of the handle, and the notched-edge blade comprises a second portion defining a second width less than the width of the handle, wherein the second portion of the flat-edge blade and the second portion of the notched-edge blade are located at least partially inside the handle.
 12. The combination trowel of claim 1, wherein the notched-edge blade comprises a row of substantially evenly spaced notches.
 13. The combination trowel of claim 1, wherein the notched-edge blade comprises a row of notches located along a distal portion of the notched-edge blade, the row of notches defining at least one of a rectangular-shape and a triangular-shape.
 14. A combination trowel comprising: a handle comprising a first portion and a second portion; a flat-edge blade coupled to the first portion of the handle; and a notched-edge blade coupled to the second portion of the handle and located along a first surface of the flat-edge blade, wherein the second portion of the handle is configured to slide with respect to the first portion.
 15. The combination trowel of claim 14, further comprising a thumb slide coupled to at least one of the second portion of the handle and the notched-edge blade, wherein the thumb slide is configured to slideably extend and retract the second portion of the handle with respect to the first portion of the handle.
 16. The combination trowel of claim 15, wherein the second portion of the handle is configured to slideably extend a length of at least 0.2 inches with respect to the first portion of the handle.
 17. The combination trowel of claim 14, further comprising a first rivet and a second rivet, wherein the first rivet and the second rivet are configured to extend through the handle to thereby couple the first portion of the handle to the second portion of the handle.
 18. The combination trowel of claim 17, wherein one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a first elongate hole and a second elongate hole, wherein the first elongate hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second elongate hole is configured to receive the second rivet, and wherein the first elongate hole and the second elongate hole are configured to enable the first portion to slide with respect to the second portion.
 19. The combination trowel of claim 14, wherein the handle is elongate along a first direction, and the handle defines a thickness along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the handle defines a first thickness and a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.
 20. The combination trowel of claim 19, wherein the second thickness is located at a distal end of the handle adjacent the flat-edge blade and the notched-edge blade and the first thickness is located at a proximal end of the handle located opposite the distal end. 